The contractor shall, in the presence and under the direction of the Engineer, test the airtightness of all private sewer laterals. The test will be made between the cleanout to grade at the property line, “test-wye” or manhole and the most upstream dead-end at a point not more than two feet outside the building line (see division (A)(2) below for exception). Note that actual connection of the private sewer to the building plumbing will not be permitted until the main sewer to which it connects has been accepted for use by the District and the herein described testing has been satisfactorily completed. Entry into “live” District manholes requires District approval.
(A) When tested.
(1) In all areas, the official air test shall be made after the backfill is satisfactorily compacted, base rock installed and all other underground utilities installed.
(2) Preliminary air testing is strongly recommended and may be conducted by the contractor at any time prior to the “official test”.
(3) Exception to division (A)(1) above is for residential private laterals when a water test is authorized by indication on the plans or as directed by the engineer in the field. In these cases, the following procedure will be used: after the private sewer has been laid and the pipe bedding has been installed to the satisfaction of the Engineer, the sewer shall be filled with water in the presence of the Engineer. Any and all leaks shall be found and repaired by the contractor in accordance with these specifications, after which the sewer trench shall be immediately backfilled.
(B) Equipment. Same as for main sewers.
(C) Procedure. Same as for main sewers.
(D) Requirements. Same as for main sewers.
(E) Mandrel or deflectometer. Upon completion of the air test, the contractor shall pull a mandrel or deflectometer approved by the engineer between manholes on sewer lines six inches in diameter and larger. This test shall be performed without mechanical pulling devices. Pull tag lines shall be attached to both sides of mandrel.
(Ord. 2019-02, passed 4-25-2019)